Case Design/Remodeling of Birmingham Blog

Style meets Accessibility

2011-11-15T17:19:00.000-08:00

Do you need a bath that focuses on accessibility, but you have concerns that you may give up style and hurt your home’s resale value? Worry no more! CASE Design and Remodeling can transform your bath into a beautiful and functional space. The CASE team strives to design a gorgeous bath for those whose focus is convenience and ease-of-use. No matter if it is widening a door, adding a shower bar, or installing a shower with a bench, the CASE team knows how to add those special details that can make your bathroom more comfortable.

Before & After

Home gets a Contemporary Facelift!

2011-11-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

Before & After

We Match our Client's Vision!

2011-10-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

An outdated bathroom gets a makeover and becomes a light and bright refuge!

Before & After

Master Bath Transformations: It’s Your Turn!

2011-08-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

Featured in the Fall Issue of Remodel Birmingham . . .

Empty nest or opportunity? It all depends on how you look at it. Alane and Rick Larimer and Clare and William Hays represent an increasing number of couples in the Birmingham market. As their children successfully take wing, they’re taking the opportunity to enjoy a little well earned luxury with a master bath remodel.

Luxury, Style and Personality

The Birmingham market reflects the national trend toward more luxurious, customized baths. Clients are exploring a broad range of design possibilities to create a personalized space that reflects their personality. Some of the elements they are incorporating include

Luxury showers. Showers are becoming larger and the Hays and Larimer projects were no exception. They both expanded their showers significantly as part of their remodels. Performance showering options like hand showers, rain heads, his and hers valves and body sprays have moved past trendy and into the mainstream and they are well represented in these projects. Shower seating is moving away from the tiled box approach to floating designs which allow for more foot room. The Larimers used the same granite from the vanity top for their seat. The Hays reflect another mini-trend which is foregoing the full seat for a smaller foot rest in the corner to make leg shaving more comfortable.

Deep tubs. Those who enjoy a tub bath are increasingly selecting styles that have a smaller footprint than the soaker tubs of the 1980s but with taller sides. The net effect is a deep, full-body soak with less water. As with the shower, hand-showers can add functionality for bathing and make cleaning easier. Jetted whirlpool tubs are no longer the de facto standard that they were 25 years ago but for those who enjoy them, the pump system on current models like the Hays selected are much easier to keep clean.

Stone, porcelain and glass tile. These materials dominate the bath because they’re beautiful and they function well in a wet environment. What’s changed is the explosion of options of size, shape and finish. Very large floor tile (the Larimer’s tile are 21”) are beautiful and create fewer grout lines for cleaning. While these new options provide more design possibilities, they also call for more design skill to get a cohesive result.

Heated floors and towel racks. These items are a perfect offset to the tile elements which by their nature feel cool to the touch. The Hays and Larimers both selected systems with programmable thermostats to save energy and make their first footsteps comfortable on a cold morning.

Upgraded lighting. More (and more flattering) lighting is a foundational element in a good bath project. The Hays and Larimers added recessed lights for general illumination along with upgraded surface mount fixtures at key dressing locations. The Larimers chose to mirror mount their vanity fixtures which provides a flattering light as well as highlights the beauty of fixture itself. The Hays included a lighted make up mirror in Clare’s dressing area.

Value.

Over the past two years, attention to value has increased for all project types, including the luxury bath. According to Tom Coan, Owner of Case Design/Remodeling, “Clients who in the past might have done a master suite addition are now choosing to work inside the existing master bath / master closet footprint”. He notes that, “the key to success is careful, creative design and allocating space very thoughtfully to the things that matter most to the client”. Both the Larimers and the Hays ended up with more open and functional designs than they had before without adding floor space. Re-using instead of replacing is another growing ethic with remodelers and clients alike. For example, the Hays repurposed cabinets in the master closet rather than purchase an expensive closet system and the Larimers retained their wall mount toilet that looked right with their design and functioned well.

Build Log 3

2011-08-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

As this week starts, rough inspections have just finished up. The installation of drywall and cabinets begins!

With wiring and plumbing signed off we install insulation

Drywall is now covering what was just the wooden frame of the house

Cabinets go in next. This is the beginning of the end of this project!

Next we will be templating for granite counter tops...

Job in Progress: Build Log 2

2011-08-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Week 2 of the build log: DEMOLITION

We deconstruct the original room down to the "bare bones".

Another surprise--we found some non-functional plumbing behind the wall where the sink had been.

The next step is installing the "behind the scenes" electrical and plumbing requirements and fixing any "curiosities" found during demolition.

This is also the time to do little things that will make a big difference in the long run.

For example, before new flooring is installed, we check the sub-floor and nail down loose pieces to prevent squeaky floors.

We will now call for framing, plumbing, and electrical inspections. Once we are signed off we're on our way to sheetrock and cabinets!

Job In Progress: Build Log Day 1

2011-07-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Over the next six weeks, we will show you a current kitchen remodel from start to finish!

Phase 1: Planning

This is "before" kitchen. The clients want a change and this is the starting point.

The next step is bringing together the clients' vision, goals and budget into a detailed plan.

The Vision . . .

And the Details . . .

Phase 2: Demolition

Remodeling can be a big mess. Before we start we make sure everything is protected from dust and dirt.

--Dust Protection Is Job #1

Surprise!

Live wires found behind a wall!

Potential hazard and definitely doesn’t meet code! When remodeling, expect the unexpected!

Check back next week for the next step in the process!!!

Seminars are back!

2011-06-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Our popular remodeling seminars for Birmingham are back! They will occur Thursday August 25^th and Thursday September 22^nd at 6:30 p.m.

Remodeling is hard to buy. It's an infrequent purchase in a confusing marketplace. Where do you start? How do you make sure you get the best value? Our free public seminars are designed to help you answer these questions. Each session is jam packed with detailed information covering a broad range of options. You'll get the nitty gritty on budgeting along with planning outlines and design ideas. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, we'll help you avoid costly mistakes. If you hire others, you'll be a much better informed consumer.

Here is a preview of our seminar:

Seminar 040711

Birmingham Magazine!

2011-06-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

Look for us in Birmingham Magazine.

Case Remodeling Advises Birmingham Residents on New Rules for Lead Protection

2011-06-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Birmingham, AL, April 14, 2010 – Case Remodeling notes that if you’re doing a home renovation project on a house built before 1978, you need to be aware of potential lead paint on your walls, windows, or doors. Deteriorating lead paint can be hazardous to those who swallow or inhale it, particularly children under six. Home remodeling activities can disturb existing lead-based paint and create hazardous lead dust and chips. Effective April 22nd, 2010, a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule requires certification for contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects in homes built before 1978. Contractors, including remodelers, painters, and other specialists, must complete special training and follow specific work practices to contain lead contaminated material. According to Tom Coan, Owner of CASE Remodeling, “If you are hiring a company to do work on your pre-1978 home, ask if they are certified to perform lead-safe work practices and ask to see a copy of their certification”. Before starting work, renovators must give homeowners an EPA pamphlet explaining the dangers of lead paint. The EPA requirements do not apply to minor maintenance when less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed inside a house or less than 20 square feet outside. However, window replacement is not considered minor maintenance. If you plan to do your own renovation work on a pre-1978 home, be sure to visit the EPA’s website (www.EPA.gov) to learn about lead safe practices.

Nine Home Energy Tips

2011-06-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Data from the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that heating and cooling are the largest energy expenses in most homes across the U.S. As most homeowners look for ways to reduce their energy usage and save on their utility bills, here are nine helpful tips to make your home more energy efficient.

1. Energy saving appliances- In the kitchen, energy and water usage can be greatly reduced by up to fifty percent with energy efficient appliances.

2. Lighting- Replace standard light bulbs with CFL’s. They last up to ten times as long and use one-fourth of the energy. Skylights are also a great way to brighten up dimly lit areas and save on electricity.

3. Windows- Window replacement will dramatically reduce your energy usage. New energy efficient windows are twice as efficient as the average window produced ten years ago. They are available in a variety of options and designs. If new windows are not in your budget, you can boost your home’s energy efficiency by repairing older windows that are rotted, damaged with cracked glass or missing putty.

4. Walls- Make sure that any exterior wall penetrations into the house (including dryer vents, cable television lines, power lines, gas lines, or hose bibs) are properly sealed from both the outside and inside. Make sure all interior access points into unconditioned spaces (includes attic or basement/crawlspace access) are tightly closed and well insulated.

5. Basements- Seal basements and crawlspaces with caulk, spray foam, or weather-stripping. This will have a great impact on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills.

6. Attics- Adding extra insulation to your attic can make your home more comfortable in the winter months, in addition to lowering your energy bills. A foot of fiberglass or cellulose insulation in the attic floor is recommended as a cost-effective measure

7. Plumbing- Insulate hot water pipes and add a re-circulating valve at the far end of a water supply stack. Put in low flow shower heads to regulate the times when you need hot water

8. Hot Water Heater- Make sure to replace your hot water heater with an energy efficient model. Also, invest in a hot water heater jacket. The jacket costs around twenty-five dollars and can potentially save ten to twenty dollars a month in energy costs.

9. Inspection- Have a specialist look over your HVAC system at least once a year to ensure that your system is running at optimal performance

http://birmingham.caseremodeling.com

How to Survive a Home Remodel

2011-05-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

The good news is that you’re finally getting the house of your dreams. The bad news is that you need to live through months of remodeling to get there. Living in a house that’s being remodeled is stressful, but if you’re prepared, you can make it easier on the whole family.

Plan Ahead: Find out how long the remodel will take and what it will cost. Explore how the work will disrupt your life and make contingencies for it. Also make plans in case something goes wrong. A power outage or plumbing emergency might necessitate decamping for a couple of days.

Establish Ground Rules: Talk to the contractor about what hours and which days of the week the crew will work. That will make it easier to plan your life around the renovation. Consider getting a portable toilet for the workers so yours will still be available. Tell them where they can park their trucks and establish how they will clean up the work site.

Set up a Living Area: Cover the entrances to the work area with plastic to avoid getting dust in the rest of the house; this will also establish a living area. If you’re having a kitchen remodeling job, set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave and hot plate, and designate a sink for washing dishes. Stock up on bottled water and paper plates and cups. You’ll need them if you lose the use of your plumbing at some point.

Store Your Belongings: Put away anything breakable and delicate. Even if your china cupboard isn’t in the work area, the vibrations from the machinery can cause things to crack or fall. If you can’t move some pieces of furniture, cover them with drop clothes so they won’t get coated in dust.

Case Design/Remodeling of Birmingham Blog

Style meets Accessibility

Home gets a Contemporary Facelift!

We Match our Client's Vision!

Master Bath Transformations: It’s Your Turn!

Build Log 3

Job in Progress: Build Log 2

Job In Progress: Build Log Day 1

Seminars are back!

Birmingham Magazine!

Case Remodeling Advises Birmingham Residents on New Rules for Lead Protection

Nine Home Energy Tips

How to Survive a Home Remodel

Questions To Ask Before Replacing Your Windows

What is Passive Solar?

To Avoid Pain, Don't Overlook Window Maintenance By Tom Coan

The Hard-Nosed Realist’s Guide to Deck Maintenance

Water Pressure – The Silent Killer

No Falls this Fall

Do I need a new dishwasher?

NEW SUNROOMS ARE NOT JUST FOR SUMMER FUN

INVITING FOYERS

KITCHENS THAT WORK: ELEMENTS THAT MAKE A KITCHEN SPACE FUNCTIONAL

Countertop Options

CONVERTING BATHROOMS INTO SPA-LIKE RETREATS

Considerations for Remodeling Older Homes

KITCHEN LIGHTING

ROOM AT THE TOP: ATTIC TRANSFORMATIONS

Attic Remodeling

Double Your Living Space by Renovating Your Basement

Bringing Light Into Your Home

Remodeling For Retirement

Five Ways to Update Your Bathroom

Guild Quality Press Release

AHEAD OF THE CURVE: 2011 HOME DESIGN TRENDS

First Post!